Study: Social-Media Addiction Extends Beyond Youth

A May 2025 analysis by Hochschule Macromedia (in cooperation with YouGov) finds that problematic social-media use is not limited to teenagers. Around 25% of adults aged 18–44 show patterns of use that researchers associate with social-media addiction.

Key findings

• Study/press release date: May 2025
• Target group: Adults in Germany (18–44 years)
• Approximately 25% exhibited behaviors linked to addictive use

The study’s authors argue that political and public-health measures should not only focus on youth but be designed to address adults across age groups.

Read the original press release for more details: Hochschule Macromedia — Suchtfaktor Social Media (May 2025)

Questions for readers

Have you or someone you know experienced excessive social-media use? What measures do you think could help? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Hochschule Macromedia press release (May 2025). Reported in partnership with YouGov.